Toro Rosso duo in running for Webber’s seat

Jean-Eric Vergne has revealed he is still in the running to move up to Red Bull’s championship-winning team in 2014.

The Frenchman, who last year debuted for the energy drink company’s junior squad Toro Rosso, said he and continuing teammate Daniel Ricciardo are potential candidates in the event Mark Webber does not stay beyond his contract this year.

“If we do a good job, maybe one of us will go to Red Bull, provided there is a free space,” he is quoted by France’s L’Equipe.

“It would be great, but it’s only in the corner of our minds,” added the 22-year-old.

Needing to impress in 2013, a lot is therefore riding on Toro Rosso’s new STR8.

“Without going into detail,” Vergne is quoted by the French news agency AFP, “there were many things missing with the car of last year.

“It was difficult to drive and mechanically they could not resolve it.

“If you listen to the other teams, all the drivers think they have the best car, that they are the best and they will win all the races. So I won’t go there,” he smiled.